HC:Set up two authorities to prevent conversion of agricultural land

Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 20

The J&K High Court has directed the state government to pass necessary orders for appointment of two authorities headed by divisional commissioners concerned, one each at Jammu and Srinagar, for implementation of laws aimed at preventing conversion of agricultural land and preventing encroachment of the state and “khaicharai” land.

A division bench of the High Court issued these directions today while disposing of a public interest litigation and other connected petitions that had sought directions to authorities for checking conversion of agricultural land for construction and other commercial purposes.

“The government to pass necessary orders for appointing the authorities. The authorities, besides monitoring the implementation of the relevant laws, shall also evolve a mechanism for protection and preservation of the retrieved land,” the bench said in its orders today while asking the heads of these authorities to file a compliance report after every two months before the registrar, judicial, of both the wings of the HC.

The court has further directed that any person would be at a liberty to approach the divisional commissioners about violations of the laws and encroachments made whether on “shamlat” or “khaicharai” land.

The court has passed these directions following suggestions by Advocate General DC Raina that the state, by issuance of a government order, may constitute two authorities for implementation of the State Land Revenue Act, Agrarian Reforms Act and other allied Acts.

In its orders today, the HC has further directed that any person would be at liberty to approach the court with grievances or complaints that the judgment is not being implemented or that the compliance report filed is not correct.

“On such a motion, the court may initiate contempt proceedings against the concerned authorities,” the court said while disposing of the PIL and other connected petitions.